The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1473191
52 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW going to win. We'd put in the work, and we knew we were going to beat them. That was a great game, but I feel like going forward, we can do it again. "We're approaching it harder than ever. We're just looking forward, and I believe we'll do it again. It won't be in The Big House. It will be in The Horseshoe. But I believe we'll do it again." The belief, Corum noted, comes from the process. He and every other Wolverine who fought through the 2021 season knows what it took to reach the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Now it's a matter of remembering, ap- plying and teaching the newcomers. Corum stands convinced the Wolverines are up to the task. "That came from all the work we put in, in the offseason," he assured. "It came from the loss against Michigan State. We really came together after that game — fellas, we have the talent, we have the team to win out and go on to do big things. "We came together in that [players'] meet- ing. We looked each other in the eyes, and we knew we could do it. We just started knocking everyone down, one by one. "When it came to the Ohio State game, we believed in the coaches, we believed in the game plan and we executed. When you put all those things together, it's hard not to come out victorious." All the while, the Wolverines did not view beating the Buckeyes as the end goal, Corum pointed out. "We wanted to beat Ohio State, but we really wanted to win that Big Ten," he said. "Ohio State was in the way of that. We knew if that was what we really wanted, we had to do it through them. That was even more motivation. "After we beat them, everyone charged the field. A lot of times, people don't get that feel- ing. That's a once-in-a lifetime thing. After the game, I was taking it in, because it was so awesome. "We made the Michigan fans happy, and we made each other happy. It was definitely something to take in and smile about." The smiles faded when Georgia stone- walled the Wolverines in the playoff contest, 34-11. For Corum, it's another log on the growing 2022 fire. "That was more motivation right there," Corum said. "When you get a loss like that, it's easy to be mad about it. It's better just to reflect and learn from where you went wrong. Some teammates and I reflected on it, and we feel like we knew. "That game, actually, will help us this year. We know how to get there, the steps we'll need to take. If we follow our plan and take those steps, we'll be back, and we'll go far- ther this time." Putting The Giving Into Thanksgiving Corum went farther than most off the field in terms of selfless contributions. He makes no apologies for profiting off the NCAA's new name, image and likeness (NIL) rules putting cash into athletes' pockets. But he hit the charity opening like he would a breach in the Buckeyes' defensive line. Co- rum executed an event, "Give Back 2 Give Thanks," in nearby Ypsilanti last Thanksgiv- ing, supplying meals to families in need. He wound up helping pass out some 200 turkeys, along with several other turkey day side dishes, an act head coach Jim Harbaugh viewed as an enviable touchdown run. "I'm blown away by it," Harbaugh said. "I know Blake, and I know what kind of ges- ture that is. It's genuine. Heartfelt. My next impression was — why wasn't I doing some- thing like that? He's an amazing young man." The turkey handoffs didn't mark the first charitable gesture from Corum, by any mea- sure. He's a hero to countless young people back in his hometown, where he paved the way for football hopefuls to try and become the next Blake Corum. "I'm a community guy," he said. "I enjoy helping others. Before, I was able to help others without money. Now I'm able to help others with a little more, giving back to my community. "I held a free camp back home. Probably 300 kids came out. I gave away trophies and free shirts, food and things like that. It was Corum (above left with his father, James, and teammate Nikhai Hill-Green) has been recog- nized for his work in the community. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM Corum recently held a free football camp in his hometown of Marshall, Va., where he gave away trophies, free shirts and food to several hundred youngsters. PHOTO COURTESY BLAKE CORUM / TWITTER